Pope Fabian

Pope Fabian (200-20 January 250) was the Pope from 236 to 250, succeeding Pope Anterus and preceding Pope Cornelius.

Biography
Pope Fabian was born in 200 to a family of noble Romans, and he was the son of Fabius. He was present at the papal election in 236 in the mind of none, and while many noblemen and clergymen were considered as popes, a white dove flew into the chapel and landed on Fabian's head, interpreted as a sign from the Holy Spirit that Fabian was to be the next pope. He converted Emperor Philip the Arab and his son to Christianity, and in 245 he sent seven bishops to Gaul. On 20 January 250, Emperor Decius martyred Fabian during the Decian persecution.